Methods and apparatuses for reinforcing structural members

ABSTRACT

In an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 62/045,310, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This technology relates generally to structural reinforcement. Inparticular, aspects of this invention relate to reinforcing roundstructural members of lattice structures and to reinforcing otherstructures.

BACKGROUND

Lattice structures such as guyed towers with a slender mast and guywires supporting the mast horizontally, as well as self-support towersor free standing towers, are used in the telecommunications industry. Inparticular, such towers are used to support equipment for wirelessphones, broadcast and other communications devices, among otherapplications.

With the proliferation of cell phones and personal communicationsdevices comes the need for towers to support additional equipment forwireless phone, internet and other communications devices. This increasein equipment can add a significant amount of wind area to a tower orother lattice structure, which can result in an increase in axial andtensile forces to each of the tower's structural elements (tower legs,diagonals, horizontals and subsequent internal bracing). In addition, atower's structural elements can become weaker due to the passage of timeand/or due to environmental conditions.

Related art methods of increasing the strength of these structuralelements in order to support additional equipment include reinforcingthe weak area of the tower (generally areas under the proposed equipmentelevation) by means of welding angle, split-pipe (pipe that has beencute longitudinally to create 180 degree, 120 degree) or some othervariation of steel reinforcement, bar stock or flat plate. These relatedart structural members can be a poor fit, create large eccentric loadsbased on their individual section modulus proportion and in some casesonly minimally increase the strength of round structural members such astower legs. Additionally, these related art structural members are notcontinuous and require a significant amount of welding at theirterminations to splice plates, adding the risk of fire, rusting andincreased installation costs.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a roundstructural member of a lattice structure comprises locating areinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structuralmember, wherein at least two of the at least four facets forms a pointof contact with the round structural member; and securing thereinforcement member to the round structural member.

In further exemplary embodiments, a first leg and a second leg of thereinforcement member can extend beyond a centroid of the roundstructural member when the reinforcement member is located at the roundstructural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, acentroid of the reinforcement member can be within the round structuralmember when the reinforcement member is located on the round structuralmember.

In further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the points of contactis a direct point of contact between the reinforcement member and theround structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments,at least one of the points of contact is an indirect point of contactbetween the reinforcement member and the round structural member. In afurther exemplary embodiment, the method can further comprise locatingan inner tab member between the reinforcement member and the roundstructural member, wherein the points of contact between thereinforcement member and the round structural member are indirect pointsof contact via the inner tab member.

In further exemplary embodiments, first leg and a second leg of thereinforcement member can extend beyond a first leg and a second leg ofthe inner tab member.

In further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprisea hot rolled plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, thereinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate. Also, in furtherexemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprise an extrudedshape.

In further exemplary embodiments, the method can comprise joining thereinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend alength of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member.The method can also comprise joining the reinforcement member and thesecond reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcement memberand the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of the roundstructural member.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a roundstructural member of a lattice structure comprises locating first andsecond reinforcement members on the round structural member, the firstand second reinforcement members each comprising first and secondtubular members; locating a first threaded bar within the first tubularmember of the first and second reinforcement members and locating asecond threaded bar within the second tubular member of the first andsecond reinforcement members; and securing the first threaded bar at thefirst and second reinforcement members using first and second threadedlocking members and securing the second threaded bar at the first andsecond reinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.

In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars canspan a segment of the round structural member located between a firstand second splice plate of the round structural member. In furtherexemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars can span asplice plate of the round structural member. Additionally, the first andsecond threaded bars can secure the first reinforcement member to thesecond reinforcement member during the installation of the first andsecond reinforcement members.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement system for a roundstructural member of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcementmember having at least four facets, wherein the reinforcement member hasan open-ended cross sectional shape, the reinforcement member coupledwith the round structural member such that at least two of the at leasttwo facets forms a point of contact with the round structural memberalong a longitudinal span of the round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, in a cross sectional view takenperpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member, a first legand a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid ofthe round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, wherein the reinforcement member is afirst reinforcement member, wherein the longitudinal span is a firstlongitudinal span, the reinforcement system further comprises a secondreinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the secondreinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the secondreinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such thateach of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the roundstructural member along a second longitudinal span of the roundstructural member; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and secondreinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the firstand second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured topermit a longitudinal distance between the first and secondreinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and secondreinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.

In a further exemplary embodiment, wherein the reinforcement member is afirst reinforcement member, wherein the round structural member is afirst round structural member, the reinforcement system furthercomprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets,wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended crosssectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a secondround structural member such that each of the at least four facets formsa point of contact with the second round structural member along alongitudinal span of the second round structural member; a spliceconnection between the first and second round structural members; and acoupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members,the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcementmembers, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinaldistance between the first and second reinforcement members to beadjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to thefirst round structural member and the second reinforcement member hasbeen coupled to the second round structural member.

These and other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure areillustrated and described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the followingfigures, which are presented for the purpose of illustration only andare not intended to be limiting.

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of reinforcement membersreinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement memberreinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members forreinforcing a round structural member according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member and aninternal tab member for reinforcing a round structural member accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members andinternal tab members for reinforcing a round structural member accordingto exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show cross sectional views illustrating methods ofsecuring a reinforcement member to a round structural member accordingto exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows view A of FIG. 1, illustrating reinforcement membersreinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 a shows reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structuralmember of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment andFIG. 8 b shows an example of a round structural member.

FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural memberof a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows view B of FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment ofreinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of alattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members forreinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joinedaccording to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 11 b shows an example of around structural member.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members forreinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joinedaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members forreinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joinedaccording to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 13 b shows an example of around structural member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows reinforcement members 2 reinforcing a round structuralmember 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.The reinforcement members 2 reinforce the round structural member 1. Thereinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1 andsecured to the round structural member 1, for example, with U-bolts andbacking plates 10. The reinforcement members 2 increase the loadcarrying capacity and stability of a tower or other structure to supportadditional weight, such as from communication equipment, mounts andtransmission lines as well as the environmental forces exerted on thetower. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of reinforcement members 2with a plurality of U-bolts and backing plates 10 are installed inparallel and onto round structural members 1 to create a compositesection to the strengthen round structural members 1. A plurality ofsplices can be used, connecting the reinforcement members 2 together toensure a continuous load transfer from one tower section to the nextalong with termination splices connected to existing leg splice plates.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member 2reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment. The reinforcement member 2 reinforces the round structuralmember 1. The reinforcement member 2 has at least four facets 3. Thereinforcement member 2 is located on the round structural member 1 suchthat at least two of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact4 with the round structural member. The reinforcement member 2 includeslegs 5 that extend beyond a centroid 6 of the round structural memberwhen the reinforcement member 2 is located at the round structuralmember 1. The centroid 7 of the reinforcement member 2 is within theround structural member 1 when the reinforcement member 2 is located onthe round structural member 1. The points of contact 4 are direct pointsof contact between the reinforcement member and the round structuralmember.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement system for a roundstructural member 1 of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcementmember 2 having at least four facets 3, wherein the reinforcement member2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape. The reinforcement member 2 iscoupled with the round structural member 1 such that each of the atleast four facets forms a point of contact 4 with the round structuralmember 1 along a longitudinal span of the round structural member. In afurther exemplary embodiment, in a cross sectional view takenperpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member 1, first andsecond legs 5 of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid 6 ofthe round structural member 1.

In related art systems where reinforcement does not extend beyond thecentroid 6 of round structural members 1, large eccentric moments can becreated that require welding longitudinally to resist this couplingmoment and in some cases, add a significant increase in wind loadsfurther overstressing the structural members below. Additionally, withthe offset of related art reinforcements, their corresponding splice canalso become offset, requiring further welding and/or bracing to correctthis issue. By contrast, in exemplary embodiments, by extending the legs5 of the reinforcement members 2 well beyond the centroid 6 of the roundstructural member 1, the eccentricities can be minimized and splices canbe installed radially, e.g., 180 degrees apart, through the centroid 6of the round structural members 1.

FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members 2for reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to exemplaryembodiments. The reinforcement members 2 can, for example, be made withmultiple bends such as 4-facets or 7-facets so as to fit snug on smallround members or larger round members. FIG. 3 a shows an exemplaryembodiment with four facets 4 for forming points of contact 4 withreinforcement members 2 (now shown), FIG. 3 b shows an exemplaryembodiment with five facets 3 for forming points of contact 4, FIG. 3 cshows an exemplary embodiment with seven facets 3 for forming points ofcontact 4, and FIG. 3 d shows and exemplary embodiment with nine facets3 for forming points of contact. The reinforcement members 2 can fitsnuggly on the round structural member 1. Additionally, the strength ofthe reinforcement members 2 can be increased by increasing the thicknessof the reinforcement members 2.

In exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement members 2 can, for example,be formed from a hot rolled plate or a cold formed plate. The hot rolledor cold formed plate can, for example, be made from steel throughextrusion and/or by bending a plate longitudinally in a brake press. Inexemplary embodiments, the extruded member can be round or sided withmultiple facets. In exemplary embodiments, the hot rolled or cold formedplate can have at least three bends and four facets and can increase thenumber of bends to maintain a tighter fit on larger round structuralmembers 1. The hot rolled or cold formed plate can be made from anylength with any number of facets. For example, the plate can be formedfrom a length from 1 foot to 40 feet.

FIG. 4 shows a reinforcement member 2 and an internal tab member 8 forreinforcing a round structural member 1 (not shown) according to anexemplary embodiment. To achieve a composite section where reinforcementmember 2 takes an increased amount of axial or tensile load, inner tabmembers 8 can be welded to or otherwise coupled with the reinforcementmembers 2. The reinforcement member 2 makes indirect points of contactwith the round structural member 1 (not shown) via the internal tabmember 8. Stated in another way, the reinforcement member 2 comprisesthe internal tab member 8 and contacts the round structural member atpoints of contact. The legs 5 of the reinforcement member 2 extendbeyond the legs 9 of the inner tab member 8 in cross-sectional view,according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 5 a to 5 c show cross sectional views of reinforcement members 2and internal tab members 8 for reinforcing a round structural member 1according to exemplary embodiments. The points of contact 4 are indirectpoints of contact between the reinforcement member 2 and the roundstructural member 1. Stated differently, the reinforcement member 2includes the inner tab member 8 which contacts the round structuralmember 1 at points of contact 4. In particular, the inner tab member 8is located between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structuralmember 1, such that the points of contact 4 between the reinforcementmember 2 and the round structural member 1 are indirect points ofcontact via the inner tab member 8.

FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show cross-sectional views illustrating methods ofsecuring a reinforcement member 2 to a round structural member 1according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 a shows reinforcement member2 secured to a round structural member 1 using U-bolt and backing plate10. The backing plate 10 can, for example, be tapered or flat. Thereinforcement member 2 can also be attached to the round structuralmembers 1 with tapered backing plates, pinching or compressing the endsof the reinforcement member 2 around the back of the round structuralmember 1. The reinforcement member 2 can additionally be secured withblind bolts, stitch welds, and/or other fasteners. FIG. 6 c showsreinforcement member 2 secured to a round structural member 1 with welds11. In exemplary embodiments, with legs 5 extending beyond the centroid6 of the round structural member 1, additional items such as step bolts19 can be bolted to welded clips and staggered on each side of thereinforcement member 2. Steel tabs can also be welded to thereinforcement member 2 to hoist the reinforcement member 2 or attachitems such as a safety climb mount or stand-off mount. FIG. 6 b showsstep bolts 19 which can be attached to reinforcement member 2. As shownin FIG. 6 b, the central axis of one or both of the step bolts 19 maypass through the round structural member 1, or even through a centroidof the round structural member 1, when they are coupled with thereinforcement member 2 which is coupled to the round structural member1.

In exemplary embodiments, reinforcement members 2 can be used tostrengthen round structural members 1 of various sizes. The overalllength and inner diameter of the reinforcement members 2 is selectedbased on the geometry of the round structural member 1 being reinforced.The thickness of the reinforcement members 2 is selected based on theamount of steel area appropriate to strengthen the round structuralmember. The quantity and spacing of U-bolts with backing plates 10and/or stitch welds 11 can be selected to ensure a minimum unbracedlength of the reinforcement members 2 with respect to the roundstructural member 1. If multiple tower sections require reinforcement,the reinforcement members 2 can be spliced as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12and/or terminated by welding and/or bolting to the splice plates 12 asillustrated in FIGS. 7-9. Additionally, in further exemplaryembodiments, the reinforcement members 2 could be used as a standalonestructural members.

FIG. 7 shows view A of FIG. 1 illustrating reinforcement members 2reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure accordingto an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show the reinforcementmembers 2 and the round structural member 1 separately. Vertical flangescan be attached with splice bolts 15 to splice plates 12. This method ofconnection puts load into the round structural member 1 as well as thereinforcement members 2, sharing the axial or tensile load based ontheir relative proportional cross-sectional area of steel. An end of thereinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the roundstructural member on a first side of the splice plate 12. Thereinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontalflanges 14 for securing the reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate12 using splice bolts 15. An end of another reinforcement member 2 issecured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on asecond side of the splice plate 12. The other reinforcement member 2includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing theother reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts15. The vertical flanges 13 can be welded to the horizontal flanges 14.In one embodiment, the reinforcement members 2, vertical flanges 13, andhorizontal flanges 14 can, for example, be made of minimum ASTM A572Grade 50 structural steel, as well other metals and other materials.Vertical flanges 13 can be welded to reinforcement members 2 in anyradial orientation and/or radial angular spacing.

FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural memberof a lattice structure according to a further exemplary embodiment. Anend of the reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 ofthe round structural member on a first side of the splice plate 12. Thereinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontalflanges 14 for securing the reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate12 using splice bolts 15. An end of another reinforcement member 2 issecured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on asecond side of the splice plate 12. The other reinforcement member 2includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing theother reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts15. In further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member 2 can bewelded directly to the splice plate 12 without vertical flanges 13,horizontal flanges 14 and/or splice bolts 3.

FIG. 10 shows view B of FIG. 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment ofreinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 of alattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 11a and 11 b show the reinforcement members 2 and the round structuralmember 1 separately. The reinforcement members 2 are joined to extend alength of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member 1.The reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member1. The reinforcement members have tubular members 16; tubular membersmay be rigidly fixed and/or welded to their respective reinforcementmember 2. According to one embodiment, the reinforcement member 2 hastwo or more tubular members 16 whose longitudinal centerlines are, incross sectional view taken perpendicular to their longitudinal axes orto the longitudinal center of the round structural member 1, equallyangularly arranged in the radial sense about the longitudinal center ofthe round structural member 1. For instance, in one embodiment in whichthe opposing ends of the reinforcement members 2 each include twotubular members 16, the tubular members are located on opposite sides ofthe central axis of the round structural member 1 and their centerlinesmay lie in the same plane as the central axis of the round structuralmember. Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 arelocated within the tubular members 16. The threaded bars 17 are securedat the reinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threadednuts 18. The reinforcing members 2 can be joined between splice plates12. As such, the threaded bars 17 can span a segment of the roundstructural member 1 located between splice plates 12 of the roundstructural member 1.

In exemplary embodiments, U-bolts with tapered backing plates 10 can beused to pinch or compress the legs 5 of the reinforcing members 2 aroundthe backside of the round structural member 1. Locating U-bolts withtapered backing plates 10 near tubular member 16 can help preventreinforcing members 2 from opening up in tension or compression due theoffset in load from threaded bars 17, shown below in FIGS. 10-13. Othertechniques such as welds 11 or structural bolts can also provide asimilar strengthening technique at splices or end terminations.

In exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement members 2 can span throughmultiple tower sections or around antenna mounts, guy attachments or anyother obstruction. FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment ofreinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 of alattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 13a and 13 b show separate views of the reinforcement members 2 and theround structural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 are joined toextend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structuralmember 1. The reinforcement members 2 are located on the roundstructural member 1. The reinforcement members 2 have tubular members 16and horizontal stiffeners 21. Vertical structural members such as athreaded bars 17 are located within the tubular members 16. Horizontalstiffeners 21 can be used to increase the width of the coupling assembly20 so that the tubular members 16 and threaded bars 17 can fit aroundthe width of the splice. The threaded bars 17 are secured at thereinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18.The threaded bars 17 span a splice plate 12. As such, the reinforcementmembers 2 are joined around a splice plate 12 providing continuousreinforcement. The process of spanning of a splice plate 12 to providecontinuous reinforcement across the splice is also referred to herein assplice jumping. The splice jumping process can be used providecontinuous reinforcement around mounts or any other obstructions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded bars 17 can secure thereinforcement members 2 together during the installation of thereinforcement members 2 by tightening the threaded bolts 18. As such,the reinforcement members 2 can be joined to provide continuousreinforcement without waiting for the structure to settle. Adjustment ofthe distance separating the upper reinforcement member 2 from the lowerreinforcement member 2 may be achieved by loosening or tightening thenuts 18; this may be performed in real time as the reinforcement members2 are being installed. This saves time and cost over traditional weldedsolutions, and also permits the aforementioned distance separating thetwo reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted at a later time, which savestime and cost over traditional “bolt-in-place” solutions for spanningtwo sections of a member or a splice between two members. Thisadjustment in the distance between the lower reinforcement member 2 andthe upper reinforcement member 2 may also permit a customized orselected amount of tensional force on the round structural member 1 tobe applied at the time of installation and/or at a later time.

In a further exemplary embodiment, reinforcement member 2 is a firstreinforcement member 2, and the longitudinal span of the roundstructural member 1 is a first longitudinal span. The reinforcementsystem further comprises a second reinforcement member 2 having at leastfour facets 3, wherein the second reinforcement member 2 has anopen-ended cross sectional shape. The second reinforcement member 2 iscoupled with the round structural member 1 such that each of the atleast four facets 3 forms a point of contact 4 with the round structuralmember 1 along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member1. A coupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcementmembers is coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members 2.The coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distancebetween the first and second reinforcement members 2 to be adjustedafter the first and second reinforcement members 2 have been coupled tothe round structural member 1.

In a further exemplary embodiment, where the reinforcement member 2 is afirst reinforcement member and the round structural member 1 is a firstround structural member, the reinforcement system further comprises asecond reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3. The secondreinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape and thesecond reinforcement member 2 is coupled with a second round structuralmember 1 such that each of the at least four facets 3 forms a point ofcontact with the second round structural member 1 along a longitudinalspan of the second round structural member 1. The reinforcement systemfurther comprises a splice connection between the first and second roundstructural members 1. Additionally, the reinforcement system comprises acoupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcement members1. The coupling assembly is coupled to both the first and secondreinforcement members 2, and the coupling assembly is configured topermit a longitudinal distance between the first and secondreinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after the first reinforcementmember 2 has been coupled to the first round structural member 1 and thesecond reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the second roundstructural member 1.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, by “jacking” the splice apart,the coupling assembly 20 will create upward and downward forces on theexisting flange plates (e.g., vertical flange plate 13 and/or horizontalflange plate 14), and in turn, remove axial loads or residual stressesfrom the existing tower leg such as round structural member 1. Theseresidual stresses will be transferred to the new leg reinforcementmember 2 allowing both the existing and new leg reinforcement members 2to work compositely, sharing any new axial or tension forces from theaddition of antennas, mounts and other equipment and transmission linesadded to a tower.

It will be appreciated that while a particular sequence of steps hasbeen shown and described for purposes of explanation, the sequence maybe varied in certain respects, or the steps may be combined, while stillobtaining the desired configuration. Additionally, modifications to thedisclosed embodiment and the invention as claimed are possible andwithin the scope of this disclosed invention.

1. A method of reinforcing a round structural member of a latticestructure, the method comprising: locating a reinforcement member havingat least four facets on the round structural member, wherein at leasttwo of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the roundstructural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the roundstructural member.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a first leg and asecond leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of theround structural member when the reinforcement member is located at theround structural member.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a centroid ofthe reinforcement member is within the round structural member when thereinforcement member is located on the round structural member.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein at least one of the points of contact is adirect point of contact between the reinforcement member and the roundstructural member.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of thepoints of contact is an indirect point of contact between thereinforcement member and the round structural member.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising locating an inner tab member between thereinforcement member and the round structural member, wherein the pointsof contact between the reinforcement member and the round structuralmember are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein a first leg and a second leg of thereinforcement member extend beyond a first leg and a second leg of theinner tab member.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the reinforcementmember comprises a hot rolled plate.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinthe reinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate.
 10. The methodof claim 1, comprising securing a first end of the reinforcement memberto a splice plate of the round structural member on a first side of thesplice plate.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: joining thereinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend alength of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member.12. The method of claim 11, wherein joining the reinforcement member andthe second reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcementmember and the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of theround structural member.
 13. A method of reinforcing a structural memberof a lattice structure, the method comprising: locating first and secondreinforcement members on the round structural member, the first andsecond reinforcement members each comprising first and second tubularmembers; locating a first threaded bar within the first tubular memberof the first and second reinforcement members and locating a secondthreaded bar within the second tubular member of the first and secondreinforcement members; and securing the first threaded bar at the firstand second reinforcement members using first and second threaded lockingmembers and securing the second threaded bar at the first and secondreinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the first and second threaded bars span asegment of the round structural member located between a first andsecond splice plate of the round structural member.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the first and second threaded bars span a splice plateof the round structural member.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein thefirst and second threaded bars secure the first reinforcement member tothe second reinforcement member during the installation of the first andsecond reinforcement members.
 17. A reinforcement system for a roundstructural member of a lattice structure, the reinforcement systemcomprising: a reinforcement member having at least four facets, whereinthe reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, thereinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such thateach of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the roundstructural member along a longitudinal span of the round structuralmember.
 18. The reinforcement system of claim 17, wherein in a crosssectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the round structuralmember, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extendbeyond a centroid of the round structural member.
 19. The reinforcementsystem of claim 17, wherein the reinforcement member is a firstreinforcement member, wherein the longitudinal span is a firstlongitudinal span, the reinforcement system further comprising: a secondreinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the secondreinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the secondreinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such thateach of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the roundstructural member along a second longitudinal span of the roundstructural member; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and secondreinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the firstand second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured topermit a longitudinal distance between the first and secondreinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and secondreinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.20. The reinforcement system of claim 17, wherein the reinforcementmember is a first reinforcement member, wherein the round structuralmember is a first round structural member, the reinforcement systemfurther comprising: a second reinforcement member having at least fourfacets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended crosssectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a secondround structural member such that each of the at least four facets formsa point of contact with the second round structural member along alongitudinal span of the second round structural member; a spliceconnection between the first and second round structural members; and acoupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members,the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcementmembers, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinaldistance between the first and second reinforcement members to beadjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to thefirst round structural member and the second reinforcement member hasbeen coupled to the second round structural member.